Best Practices for Reading in Church

Preparation

• Pray for God to bless your reading of the scripture or leading the prayers so that you may proclaim God’s word clearly, joyfully, lovingly and boldly.• Prayerfully read your text two or three times aloud during the week before Sunday.• Print out the lesson or psalm and mark for emphasis as necessary.• Check the online pronunciation site for any difficult words.• Read the commentary for your lesson to better understand it.

Proclamation

• Move to the lectern before your time to read.

o First Lesson – Go to lectern during the Gloria. Return to seat after reading. o Psalm – Go to lectern during the Gloria. Return to seat after psalm.o Second Lesson – Go to lectern during the Psalm. Return to seat after reading.o Prayers of the People – Go to lectern during the Nicene Creed. Return to seat after the absolution.

• Look at the congregation when announcing the reading.

o A reading from the book (or letter of) ______________.o We will read Psalm ____, found in your worship booklet, by the whole verse.

• Look at the text when you are reading.• Read

o Confidentlyo Clearlyo Slowlyo Expressively

• Conclusion of a Reading

o Pause briefly when you finish your reading.o Look at the congregation and say, “The Word of the Lord.”o Return to your seat after the congregation says, “Thanks be to God!”